The Amenities That Actually Win (and Keep) Today's Tenants

If you're a property owner, you know the "amenity wars" are nothing new. For decades, the winning formula was a sparkling pool, granite countertops, and a basic fitness room.

Today, that formula is broken.

The modern renter, shaped by remote work, e-commerce, and a new focus on wellness, has a completely different set of priorities. They are renting for longer, and they are willing to pay a premium for properties that do more than just house them. They want spaces that actively improve their lifestyle.

Adding the wrong amenity is a fast way to waste capital expenditure (CapEx) with no return. Adding the right one can be your strongest tool for attracting high-quality applicants, justifying market-leading rents, and reducing turnover.

Here are the amenity categories that are delivering the highest ROI for property owners right now.

Tier 1: The “New Utilities” (Non-Negotiable)

This category is not about perks. These are now baseline expectations, and not having them will cause your listing to be skipped.

Blazing-Fast, Reliable Internet

This is no longer an amenity. It is the fourth utility, along with water, gas, and electricity. With much of the workforce still remote or hybrid, “internet included” or “pre-wired for fiber” is a powerful selling point. A tenant who cannot take a Zoom call from their apartment will not renew.

In-Unit Washer and Dryer

The era of communal, coin-operated laundry rooms is over. The convenience and privacy of in-unit laundry consistently rank as the number one desired amenity for renters. It is a defining factor that separates “just an apartment” from “a home.”

Modern Air Conditioning and Air Quality

A working AC unit is a given, but tenants are now more aware of air quality. Smart thermostats such as Nest or Ecobee are popular because they give tenants control and help them save on utilities. For newer builds, features like high-MERV filters are surprisingly effective wellness perks.

Tier 2: The Lifestyle Upgrades (The Deal-Clinchers)

This is where you win. If your property meets the non-negotiable standards, these amenities will make tenants choose you over the competition.

1. The “Work From Home” Package

The work-from-home movement has permanently changed apartment design. Tenants are not just sleeping in their units. They are working there for more than forty hours each week.

For multifamily buildings, a co-working lounge is the new standard. It does not need to be a full-service WeWork. It can be a converted community room with fast Wi-Fi, good lighting, a few private Zoom rooms or phone booths, and a quality coffee machine.

For all properties, soundproofing is the invisible amenity tenants crave. Investing in insulated walls, solid-core doors, and sound underlayment reduces noise complaints and helps retain remote workers who need quiet.

2. True Pet Friendliness (Not Just “Pet Tolerance”)

More than seventy percent of renters have pets. Simply allowing pets is no longer enough. Pet owners are statistically more likely to stay longer, giving you stable, long-term tenants.

An on-site dog park adds community and curb appeal. A pet washing station with a raised tub and sprayer saves plumbing and delights tenants.

3. The “Amazon” Effect: Convenience and Security

We live in a delivery-first world. This has created two major pain points you can solve: package management and access control.

Secure package lockers or rooms prevent porch theft and lobby clutter. Smart locks and keyless entry simplify access for tenants and maintenance staff, while saving you rekeying costs during turnover.

Tier 3: The Next Frontier (The “Future-Proof” Investments)

These amenities set your property apart as a forward-thinking, premium community. They are quickly becoming standard in new developments.

EV Charging Stations

The number of electric vehicles on the road continues to rise. If a prospective tenant drives an EV and your property does not have charging, you are not an option for them. Installing Level 2 chargers attracts high-income, stable tenants.

Sustainability as a Feature

This is not only about being environmentally friendly. It is about saving tenants money. Promoting energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, solar panels, and low-flow fixtures appeals to both the values and wallets of Millennial and Gen Z renters.

The Modern Fitness Center

The old model of one treadmill and a weight machine no longer works. Tenants now want a bright, well-equipped space with free weights, a yoga or meditation zone, and at least one connected piece of equipment such as a Peloton or smart mirror.

The Single Most Important Takeaway

How do you decide where to invest your limited CapEx budget? Stop guessing.

The most powerful, high-ROI amenity you can offer is responsive, proactive management. The next best thing is giving tenants what they actually want.

Before spending fifty thousand dollars on a rooftop deck, send a simple one-question survey to your residents:

“If you could add one of the following amenities to our property, which would you be most willing to pay a small rent premium for?”

• A) Pet Washing Station
• B) Secure Package Lockers
• C) Upgraded Fitness Center
• D) Community Co-Working Space

Their answers will give you a clear, data-driven roadmap for your next investment. It will directly lead to happier tenants, longer leases, and a stronger bottom line.